Vervain Tea Benefits

Vervain used as an herb has been in the consciousness of many civilizations for a long time. Vervain is considered sacred by the Romans and used the herb to purify homes and temples. It has also been used as a traditional treatment for kidney stones, snake bites and diarrhea.

Vervain (also known as blue vervain or verbena) is a creeping perennial plant of the mint family. It grows close to the ground and bears small purple-blue flowers with five petals that are borne in dense spikes. Some species of vervain are used as ornamental plants.

The above-ground or aerial parts of vervain are used in herbal medicine. Some of the active constituents of vervain are the following: mucilages, bitters, iridoid glycosides (hastatoside, verbenalin), caffeic acid, essential oil.

Many herbalists prescribe vervain tea as a stimulant, astringent, diuretic and diaphoretic. However, use of vervain is not recommended for pregnant women, as well as those in lactation as vervain is an abortifacient and an oxytocic agent. Taking too much vervain may also interfere with existing hypo- or hypertensive and hormone therapies.

To make vervain tea, pour boiling water over 1.5 grams of finely chopped vervain herb, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain then drink.